The Azores

Portugal

Resorts

The Azores Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Local time is GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.

Language

Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Travel Health

There are no health risks attached to travel to Portugal. A
yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for
anyone travelling from an infected area and destined for the Azores
or Madeira. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health
agreements exist with most European countries, including the UK,
whose citizens can receive low-cost emergency care at state
hospitals. It is advisable that travellers obtain a European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC) before travel. Dental care and repatriation
costs are not covered under this agreement, and medical insurance
is therefore advised.

Tipping

Service charges are usually added to hotel and restaurant bills,
otherwise it is customary to leave a 10 percent tip. Bar staff and
taxi drivers also expect tips, which usually entails rounding up of
the bill to the nearest Euro.

Safety Information

Generally, safety is not a problem for travel in Portugal but
there is a rising incidence of petty theft and pick pocketing in
tourist areas, so reasonable care should be taken. Portugal has a
very poor road safety record so exercise caution and drive
defensively when exploring in a rented car.

Local Customs

It is a legal requirement for foreigners to show some form of
identification on request.

Business

The Portuguese economy has undergone a major transformation
since the Revolution of 1974, from a primarily agricultural
infrastructure, to a modern, service-based economy, of a piece with
the rest of the European Union. As a result, although the situation
is changing every day, business culture in Portugal retains
vestiges of paternalism, and of strict hierarchical, 'top-down'
approaches to management and leadership. In Portugal, the strongest
business relationships are those built on trust of individuals -
and as a result, nepotism has (in the past) been seen as an
advantageous hiring policy. Be sure to allow time for personal
connections to develop between yourself and your Portuguese
business associates - familiarity can go a long way toward ensuring
success.

Teamwork and collaboration on important decisions is not the
norm in Portugal: the accepted management style is more directive,
and subordinate employees are more often than not expected to 'do
as they're told', rather than to contribute to decision-making
processes. Business etiquette in Portugal also displays an
interesting mix of formality and easygoingness - with conduct being
at once mannered and conservative, yet also warm and relaxed. Use
titles ('Señhor' and 'Señhora') until strictly
instructed not to do so, and show deference to those in obvious
positions of authority. Business meetings in Portugal must be made
by appointment - and should not ordinarily be scheduled for times
when they might conflict with important family or religious
holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc.).

Since the official language of business in the country is
Portuguese, it is a good idea to provide translations of all
important documents, and/or to engage the services of a translator,
to ensure that everyone is on the same page at business meetings.
The dress code in Portugal is strictly smart and formal - with a
strong emphasis placed on 'looking good'. It is not an unfair
statement to say that your status in the business world will be
gauged by the way in which you present yourself - go for dark
colours, with stylish cuts. Business hours in Portugal vary, but
are generally from 8.30am to 1pm, and 3pm to 6pm, from Monday to
Friday.

Communications

The international access code for Portugal is +351. The country
is well covered by local GSM mobile phone networks, with roaming
agreements in place with most international operaters. Internet
cafes are available in most towns and resorts.

Duty Free

Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not
have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2
litres of liquor; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette;
gifts up to the value of €33.50.

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